Pao-Tien Chuang, MD, PhD

Our long-term goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms of cell-cell interactions during mammalian development and in postnatal physiology and pathology. Our laboratory aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and evolution of mammalian Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In addition, using the mouse lung as a model system, we want to uncover the developmental origin and function of major lung cell types in normal homeostasis, lung injury/repair and lung cancer development.

1. The mammalian Hedgehog signaling pathway
   We currently study the molecular mechanisms by which the Hh signal is transduced in mammals. We focus on how the activities of the Gli transcription factors are modulated in the primary cilium, cytoplasm and nucleus. These studies will provide important mechanistic insight into Hh signal transduction.
2. Lung cell type specification, injury/repair and tumorigenesis
   We use mouse as a model system to answer fundamental questions in lung cell type specification, the molecular process of lung injury/repair and the pathogenesis of lung cancer development. We combine mouse genetics, cell biology and genomic analysis to address these central questions.